Orbital Says Fuel-Injection System Passes Road Test

Australia’s Orbital says it passed an important engineering milestone with the successful integration of its advanced fuel-injection technology, called FlexDITM, into a passenger car.

Combined with FlexDITM, Chinese auto maker Chongqing Changan’s Intelligent Compound Combustion Systems engine produced significant reductions in fuel consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions, Orbital says.

Orbital FlexDITM advanced fuel-injection technology helps cut greenhouse-gas emissions.

Changan hired Orbital in 2009 to integrate FlexDITM into the ICCS 4-cyl., designed to meet stricter Chinese fuel-consumption regulations taking effect next year.

A test vehicle equipped with the engine recorded Euro 4 emissions levels, with fuel consumption over the standard European drive cycle reduced by up to 20% compared with a conventional engine fitted to the same model.

The ICCS demonstrator vehicle also achieved fuel consumption reductions of up to 40% at idle.

FlexDITM technology has been employed on more than 650,000 scooters, ATVs, marine outboards and auto-rickshaws worldwide since 1996, but this is the first time it has been used in a passenger car.

Orbital's technology differs from conventional direct-injection systems that inject fuel at extremely high pressure to achieve the small droplet size needed to improve efficiency and reduce particulate emissions.

FlexDITM injects fuel at comparatively low pressure by using air pressure to atomize the mixture as it is delivered to the combustion chamber.

Orbital says this makes FlexDITM ideal for developing markets such as China, where fuel quality may vary.

Changan ICCS project supervisor Zhan Zhangsong says the company now will consider where the technology fits into its product plans.

Changan sells a range of passenger and commercial vehicles under its own brand in China.

It also manufactures vehicles in joint ventures with Ford, PSA Peugeot Citroen and Suzuki.